MÅLA Modelling dough, mixed colours

Modelling dough for connoisseurs

How should really good modelling dough feel? When we developed MÅLA modelling dough, we brought in the real experts. A group of children between ages three and seven got to test the different samples, and while creating imaginative figures, they told us their requirements.

When we develop products, we always start with people’s actual needs. So, when we develop products for children, we usually invite the little ones to tell us what they think. “We call it Kids Lab, and when working with MÅLA modelling dough, the children’s thoughts were invaluable,” explains Magnus Thuvesson, who leads the work in the Kids Lab.

Sparks creativity

It wasn’t only the children who put their hands into the different samples, the parents and grandparents that came along, started to knead and shape figures too. “There’s something about modelling dough that automatically sparks creativity, no matter what age you are. But the children found it much easier to describe the differences between the samples. One was too sticky, another too hard. The children clearly had more sensitivity in their fingers.”

Crafts that last

Together with his colleagues, Magnus carefully registered the children’s opinions to be able to create the best modelling dough. But he also noticed a special atmosphere around the table. “This is the kind of craft that can create a calm, almost meditative mood.” When you want that calm moment, the modelling dough is easy to take out – and just as easy to put away. To make it long-lasting without becoming too dry, you should store MÅLA modelling dough in its plastic container with an airtight lid. “If a piece of dough is left outside the container and becomes a bit dry, you can easily knead in a drop of water to make it soft and smooth and ready for new fantastic shapes.”